Infant Garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a one-piece bodysuit for infants and toddlers having a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. In one embodiment, a portion of the bodysuit may be formed of unidirectional expansion fabric. In another embodiment, the crotch portion includes a first coupling member including textured material that engages a fastener disposed on a second coupling member. In still another embodiment, a portion of the garment is formed of a first unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand in a first direction, and a second portion of the garment is formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. The bodysuit can accommodate children of various heights and girths, accommodating a growing child.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Provisional Application No.61/473,407, filed on 8 Apr. 2011 and entitled “Infant Garment,” and toProvisional Application No. 61/534,513, filed on 14 Sep. 2011 andentitled “Infant Garment.” Each of the aforementioned disclosures isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant garment and, in particular,to a bodysuit adapted to accommodate infants of various heights andgirths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children wearing diapers are often dressed in a bodysuit including atorso portion and a crotch or leg portion. The crotch portion includesflaps that are drawn between the infant's legs and secured via snaps.The leg portion typically includes enclosures for the legs, includingintegrated socks. These conventional configurations, however, do noteffectively accommodate a growing child. That is, the dimensions of thebodysuit cannot be adjusted as the child grows. Consequently, thebodysuit becomes ill fitting until it can no longer be worn. Thisnecessitates the purchase of new bodysuits of larger sizes.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a bodysuit capable ofaccommodating a growing child thereby delaying the purchase of a new,larger bodysuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a one-piece bodysuit for infants andtoddlers having a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. In oneembodiment, a portion of the bodysuit may be formed of unidirectionalexpansion fabric. In another embodiment, a portion of the bodysuitincludes a first coupling member including connection material thatengages a fastener disposed on a second coupling member. In stillanother embodiment, the torso portion is formed of a firstunidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand in a firstdirection, and the coupling portion includes a coupling member formed ofa second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in asecond direction. With these configurations, the bodysuit canaccommodate children of various heights and girths and, as such, canaccommodate a growing child more effectively than conventionalbodysuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG.2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG.3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the infant garmentshown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a close-up view of another portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a close-up view of a neck portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates a close-up view of the neck portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5E illustrates a close-up view of a leg portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a close-up view of a torso portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a close-up view of the torso portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 7C-7E illustrate the closure of the infant garment show in FIG.7A. Specifically, FIG. 7C illustrates a front view of the infant garmentshown in FIG. 7A, shown in its fully-opened configuration. FIG. 7Dillustrates a front view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A duringits first step of closure. FIG. 7E illustrates a front view of theinfant garment shown in FIG. 7A during its second step of closure.

FIG. 7F illustrates a close-up front view of a portion of the infantgarment shown in FIG. 7E, showing the fastening system.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance withan embodiment of the invention, shown in the closed position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8C illustrates the infant garment of FIG. 8A, shown in a partiallyopened configuration to reveal the connection material and fasteningsystem.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance withan embodiment of the invention, shown in the closed position.

FIG. 9B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9C illustrates the infant garment of FIG. 9A, shown in its openedconfiguration.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a cross-sectional view of theunidirectional expansion fabric from a contracted configuration (FIG.10A) to an expanded configuration (FIG. 10B).

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a garment in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown, for example in FIG. 1A, the garment isa bodysuit 10 having a torso portion 105 and a crotch or couplingportion 110. The torso portion 105 may cover at least the anterior andposterior of an infant torso. The torso portion 105 includes a body 115(e.g., a generally tubular body) defined by a front body panel 120A andback body panel 120B joined to each other along lateral body seams 125A,125B (formed, e.g., via stitching). The torso portion 105 furtherincludes a neck opening 130 located centrally along the upper body end,as well as shoulder portions or panels 135A, 135B extending laterallyoutward from each of the opposite sides of the neck opening 130. Sleeveportions 140A, 140B, each defining an arm aperture, extend outward fromthe upper lateral sides of the body 115, being secured to the body viasleeve seam 145. The bodysuit 10 may further include an elastic band 147disposed at preselected locations, being secured to its correspondingportion via a seam 149 (formed, e.g., via stitching).

The shoulder portions 135A, 135B may be formed integral with the backbody panel 120B and configured such that the shoulder portions overlapthe front body panel 120A. The outer lateral edge of overlappingshoulder portion sections is secured to the front body panel 120A alonga sleeve seam 145. That is, the shoulder portions 135A, 135B are adaptedto translate along the torso portion 105 of the bodysuit 10. With thisconfiguration, the neck opening 130 is expandable, with the shoulderportions 135A, 135B moving (e.g., laterally) to accommodate theplacement of the garment on the infant and infant movement, as well asto accommodate infants of various sizes.

The coupling or crotch portion 110 of the bodysuit 10 includes a pair ofcoupling or crotch members or flaps adapted to be wrapped between thelegs of the infant. The crotch flaps are further configured toselectively couple at a plurality of overlapping positions. Referring tothe embodiment of FIG. 1A, the coupling portion 110 of the bodysuit 10includes a first or front coupling member 150 and a second or rearcoupling member 155. The rear coupling member 155 may be in the form atapering, generally tongue-shaped flap extending distally from the loweredge of the body portion 105, narrowing in the distal direction toterminate in a distal rounded end 160. The rear coupling member 155 maybe formed integrally with the rear body panel 120B, being formed ofmaterial identical to that forming the rear body panel. As shown, theinfant garment possesses a length dimension extending from the neckopening 130 to the crotch portion 110 to define a length or longitudinalaxis A.

The rear coupling member 155 defines an interior (child-facing) surface165A and an exterior (outward-facing) surface 165B. A fastener 170 isdisposed on the interior surface 165A of the rear coupling member 155,proximate coupling member distal end. In another embodiment, thefastener 170 is disposed on the exterior surface 165B of the rearcoupling member 155. By way of example, the fastener 170 is a hookportion of a hook-and-loop fastener. A hook-and-loop fastener istypically a sheet of woven synthetic material having raised loop threadswherein the loops of one member are cut at their outer extremities toform hook-type elements and/or loop threads that are uncut to formloop-type elements. When one loop-type element is pressed together in aface-to-face relationship with a hook-type element, substantialengagement between the two elements results. It should be understood,however, that the fastener 170 may be any fastener suitable for itsdescribed purpose. Similarly, the fastener may possess any shaped anddimensions suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, thefastener may possess a generally oval shape.

The front coupling member 150 may possess a shape complementary to thatof the rear coupling member 155. Specifically, the front coupling member150 may be in the form of a generally tongue-shaped flap extendingdistally from the lower edge of the front body panel 120A. The frontcoupling member 150, similar to that of the rear coupling member 155,terminates in a rounded distal end 180. The front coupling member 150may possess dimensions similar to or different from those of the rearcoupling member 155. By way of example, the dimensions (the transverseand longitudinal dimensions) of the front coupling member 150 may differfrom those of the rear coupling member 155, with the front couplingmember being smaller than the rear coupling member.

With the above described configuration, the coupling members 150, 155forming the coupling portion 110 cooperate to secure the bodysuit 10 tothe infant, being drawn between the legs of the infant and positionedsuch that the coupling members overlap. As such, the coupling members150, 155 wrap around the crotch of the infant, forming first and secondleg openings.

At least a portion of the front coupling member 150 is formed ofconnection material configured to mate with the fastener 170 disposed onthe interior surface 165A of the rear coupling member 155, removablycapturing the fastener thereto. The connection material 175, connectedvia a seam 182 (formed, e.g., by stitching), may form a substantialportion of the front coupling member 150 (e.g., at least half of thetotal area of the front coupling member). By way of example, theconnection material 175 may be textured material configured tointerconnect with the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener.

In an embodiment, the connection material 175 is warp knitted fabric. Inwarp knitting, the yarn zigzags vertically along the length of thefabric such that it follows adjacent columns (wales) of knitting (ratherthan a single row (course) of knitting). As a result, warp-knit fabricincludes a plurality of fibers that extend along the length (the warp)of the fabric (rather than the width) in a zigzag pattern. Thisconfiguration results in one side of the fabric including a plurality offine (non-expandable) vertical ribs running longitudinally along thefabric, and the opposite side including a plurality of horizontal orcrosswise ribs. The vertical ribs define a smooth fabric side, while thehorizontal or crosswise ribs define a textured fabric side. The materialforming the warp knitted fabric is not particularly limited. By way ofexample, the fabric may be formed of any natural or synthetic fibers(e.g., cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon, or a combination thereof)suitable for its described purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection material 175 forming the frontcoupling member 150 is tricot warp knitted fabric. The connectionmaterial 175 is disposed such that the front coupling member 150 has atextured exterior surface 185 and a smooth interior surface. Thetextured surface 185 includes fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooksof the hook-and-loop fastener 170; consequently, the fastener 170 may besecured to any area of the textured surface 185. In operation, thefastener 170 may be positioned along the front coupling member 150 atselected positions such that the coupling members 150, 155longitudinally overlap at predetermined distances in accordance with thesize of the infant and/or the desired level of fit. As such, the fit ofthe crotch portion 110 may be altered, with the overall length of thebodysuit 10 being selectively adjusted to accommodate infants of varioussizes (heights), as well as to accommodate a growing infant.

With this configuration, the length of the garment is adjusted bychanging the height at which the rear coupling member 155 attaches tothe textured surface 185 of the front coupling member 150. For example,to accommodate a smaller child, the rear coupling member 155 may beconnected to the front coupling member 150 at a first longitudinalposition oriented close to the bottom edge of the torso portion 105,thereby reducing the size of the leg openings and reducing thefunctional length of bodysuit 10 (as measured from the neck opening 130to the crotch). Conversely, for a larger child, the rear coupling member155 may be connected at a second, lower disposed further away from thetorso portion 105 in order to increase the size of leg openings andincrease the functional height/length of the bodysuit 10, therebyaccommodating a larger infant.

While a rear coupling member 155 formed of connection material and afront coupling member 150 including a fastener adapted to attach to thetextured material are illustrated, it should be understood that the rearcoupling member may be formed of the connection material and the frontcoupling member may include the fastener.

In further embodiments, portions of the bodysuit 10 (e.g., thoseportions not formed of connection material) may be formed of expansionmaterial configured to expand in a predetermined direction (or to expandsignificantly more in a first direction than in a second direction(e.g., a direction that is generally orthogonal to the firstdirection)). By way of example, the material may be adapted to expand avertical direction, e.g., along the y-axis from the viewpoint of thefigures) or a lateral direction (e.g., along the x-axis from theviewpoint of the figures). In an embodiment, the body portion 105 isformed of fabric configured to stretch transversely or crosswise(indicated by arrow X) from a normal, contracted position to an expandedposition when a predetermined outward lateral force is applied. Once theoutward force is removed, the material returns back to its normal,contracted position.

By way of example, as seen in FIG. 1B, the expansion fabric includes aplurality of projecting ribs 195 oriented such that the ribs rungenerally longitudinally along the bodysuit 10 (e.g., generallyvertically, from the neck to the crotch, along and generally parallel tolongitudinal garment axis A). Adjacent ribs 195 are interconnected byflexible/resilient webbing or valleys 197 that permit the separation ofadjacent ribs. The ribs may be structurally more rigid than theresilient webbing. Thus, pulling the fabric in a direction generallyorthogonal to the rib direction generates an accordion-like motion thatseparates adjacent ribs 195, expanding the effective width of the fabricalong the pulling direction (seen best in FIGS. 10A and 10B). Once theforce is no longer applied, the fabric contracts, with the ribs beingdrawn inward, toward each other.

By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion fabric may betwo-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric permits lateralexpansion (expansion in a direction transverse to the wale), butminimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction (expansion along thewale axis). Stated another way, the fabric permits greater lateralexpansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the fabric may permitsubstantially no longitudinal expansion).

With this above described configuration, the bodysuit 10 will expandshould the infant onto which the bodysuit 10 is applied possess a girthlarger than that accommodated by the fabric in its normal (contracted)position. As such, the bodysuit 10 accommodates infants of various sizesby not only permitting lateral expansion (to accommodate infants ofvarious girths), but also by permitting a parent to selectively adjustthe length of the crotch connection (via connection material swatch),accommodating infants of various heights/lengths.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an infant garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the infant garment is abodysuit 20 substantially similar to that of the embodiment describedabove. Now, however, the connection material 205 forms the rear couplingmember 155 and the fastener 170 is situated on the front coupling member150. In the embodiment, the connection material 205 now forms theentirety of the rear coupling member 155, extending into the rear bodypanel 120B. The connection material 205 (e.g., textured fabric asdescribed above) is oriented such that the exterior surface 165B of therear coupling member 155 is textured, while the interior surface 165A issmooth. The fastener 170, furthermore, is disposed on the interiorsurface of the front coupling member 150, being positioned proximate therounded distal end 180. The connection material 205 may be formed suchthat it is not integral with the rear body panel 120B, e.g., beingconnected to the rear body panel 120B via seam 215 (formed, e.g., bystitching).

As explained above, the textured side of the connection material 205includes fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooks of the fastener 170.As a result, the fastener 170 may be secured to any area of theconnection material 205. In operation, the fastener 170 on the frontcoupling member 150 is placed at selected longitudinal positions alongthe rear coupling member 155 such that the coupling members 150, 155longitudinally overlap at a predetermined distances in accordance withthe size of the infant and/or the desired level of fit. In this manner,the length of the bodysuit 20 may be selectively adjusted to accommodateinfants of various sizes (heights), as well as to accommodate a growinginfant.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an infant garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the infant garment is abodysuit 30 having a body or torso portion 305 and a coupling portion310. The body portion 305 includes a front body panel 320A and rear bodypanel 320B, a neck opening or collar 330, shoulder portions 335A, 335B,and sleeve portions 340A, 340B, each similar to that described above inrelation to the other embodiments. The body portion 305 is formed of afirst unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a firstdirection. By way of example, the front 320A and rear 320B body panelsmay be formed of fabric adapted to expand in the transverse (crosswise)direction (indicated by arrow X). The fabric may possess a structuresimilar to that described above (FIG. 1B), including a plurality ofvertical (longitudinal) ribs 345 connected by flexible webbing formingvalleys 350 that cooperate to permit the lateral separation of adjacentribs, thereby permitting the crosswise expansion of the fabric toincrease the girth or width of the garment portion direction (seen bestin FIGS. 10A and 10B). In a preferred embodiment, the material formingthe body portion 305 is two-wale cotton. With this configuration, thebody portion 305 stretches to accommodate infants of various girths.

The coupling portion 310 includes a front coupling member 360 and a rearcoupling member 365. The front coupling member 360 may be integrallyformed with front body panel 320A, being formed of the sameunidirectional expansion material forming the front body panel (i.e.,the front coupling portion may be formed integral with front body panel320A). As illustrated, the front coupling member 360 is a truncatedmember (compared to that of the other embodiments), extending onlyslightly from the front body panel 320A. The exterior surface 370 of thefront coupling member 360 includes at least one fastener 375A adapted tomate with a corresponding fastener 375B disposed on the interior surface380 of the rear coupling member 365. The fasteners 375A, 375B may besnaps, buttons, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the second unidirectional expansion material maybe connected to the rear body panel 320B via a seam 395 (formed, e.g.,by stitching). The rear coupling member 365 may be formed of a secondunidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a seconddirection. Specifically, the rear coupling member 365 may be formed offabric adapted to expand longitudinally (in a lengthwise direction).Referring to FIG. 3B, the rear coupling member 365 includes a series ofribs 385 oriented generally horizontally (e.g., the ribs are orientedgenerally orthogonal to longitudinal garment axis A). The ribs 385 areconnected by resilient webbing forming valleys 390 that flex to permitseparation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting expansion of the fabricin the longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow Y), thereby enablingthe increase of the overall length of the rear coupling member 365A. Byway of specific example, the expansion fabric forming the rear couplingmember 365 is two-wale cotton.

With this configuration, the rear coupling member 365 expands from itsnormal (contracted) position to an expanded position. In the stretchedposition, the longitudinal dimension of the rear coupling member 365 isincreased compared to that of the contracted coupling member. Inoperation, the body portion 305 expands in a first, transverse(crosswise) direction (indicated by arrow X), while the coupling portion310 expands a second, longitudinal (lengthwise) direction (indicated byarrow Y). As such, the length of the coupling portion 310 adjusts toaccommodate infant of various heights since it automatically expands (indirection Y) when a force is applied thereto. When the parent draws therear coupling member 365 between the legs, the parent simply pulls therear coupling member 365 outward until it overlaps with the frontcoupling member 360. Once positioned in an overlapping relationship, theparent aligns the snaps 375A, 375B, pressing them together to secure thebodysuit 30 to the infant. In addition, during the application of thebodysuit 30 to the infant, the body portion 305 formed of the firstunidirectional expansion material automatically expands to the girth ofthe infant.

To secure the bodysuit 30 to the infant, a user draws the rear couplingmember 365 between the legs of the infant, wrapping the member aroundthe crotch and connecting the fasteners 375A, 375B. Note that the firstand second expansion materials may be the exact same type of materialmated together in differing fiber orientations to enable differentstretch directions along a single panel 320A, 320B.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a garment in accordance with another embodimentof the invention. The garment is in the form of a bodysuit 400 includinga torso portion 405 connected to first sleeve portion 410A via a firstsleeve seam 415A and to a second sleeve portion 410B via a second sleeveseam 415B. The torso portion 405 may further include a vertical opening420 disposed proximate the center of the torso portion 405. The sides ofthe opening 420 may be coupled via fasteners 425 such as snaps orbuttons. The bodysuit 400 further includes a first shin portion 435A anda second shin portion 435B connected to torso portion 405 along first440A and second 440B shin seams, respectively. In addition, the bodysuit400 includes a first foot enclosure portion 450A and a second footenclosure portion 450B connected to their respective shin portions 435A,435B via a first footie seam 455A and a second footie seam 455B,respectively.

Each of the torso portion 405; sleeves 410A, 410B; shin portions 435A,435B; and foot enclosures 450A, 450B may be formed of any materialsuitable for its described purpose. For example, one or more portions ofthe bodysuit 400 may be made of unidirectional expansion material asdescribed above. In an embodiment, the sleeves 410A, 410B and the shinportions 435A, 435B are formed of material configured to permitexpansion in a first direction along a y-axis (in the verticaldirection, indicated by arrow Y), including a plurality of horizontalribs 452 and valleys 453 similar to that described above direction (seenbest in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The torso portion 405, moreover, is formedof expansion material configured to permit expansion in a seconddirection along the x-axis (in the horizontal direction, indicated byarrow X), including a plurality of vertical ribs 457 and valleys 458similar to that described above. In addition, the foot enclosures 450A,450B are formed of material configured to permit expansion in a thirddirection along the z-axis generally orthogonal to the y-axis (indicatedby arrow Z).

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an infant garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As shown, the garment is in the form of abodysuit 500 including a torso portion 505, connected to a chest panelportion 510 via a chest seam 515. The bodysuit 500 further includes afirst sleeve portion 520A connected to the chest panel portion 510 alonga first sleeve seam 525A, as well as to a second sleeve portion 520Balong a second sleeve seam 525B. A first shoulder portion 535A and asecond shoulder portion 535B may be disposed on opposite sides of a neckopening 540. The shoulder portions 535A, 535B include a structuresimilar to that described above in the other embodiments.

The torso portion 505 may be formed such that it is integral with afirst leg member 545A and a second leg member 545B. The leg members545A, 545B may include an opening 550 disposed along the innercircumference of the leg members. The opening 550 may be secured via aplurality of fasteners 555 such as snaps or buttons. A first footenclosure portion 560A is connected to the first leg member 545A along afirst footie seam 565A. Similarly, a second foot enclosure portion 560Bis connected to the second leg member 545B along a second footie seam565B.

As seen best in FIG. 5B, the bodysuit 500 may further include a backpanel portion 570, disposed opposite chest panel portion 510, connectedto the sleeve portions 520A, 520B via sleeve seams 525A, 525B, andconnected to the torso portion 505 via torso seam 515.

The torso portion 505; chest plate 510; sleeves 520A, 520B; shoulderportions 535A, 535B; leg members 545A, 545B; and foot enclosures 560A,560B may individually or collectively be formed of any material suitablefor their described purpose. By way of example, portions of the bodysuit500 may be formed of unidirectional expansion material as describedabove. In an embodiment, the chest 510 and back 570 panel portions areformed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permitexpansion in a first direction, along the x-axis(horizontally/transversely), as indicated by arrow X. The torso portion505 with leg members 545A, 545B is formed with unidirectional expansionmaterial configured to permit expansion in a second direction, along they-axis (vertically), as indicated by arrow Y direction (seen best inFIGS. 10A and 10B). Like the prior embodiment, the foot enclosures 560A,560B are formed of unidirectional expansion material configured topermit expansion in a third direction, along the z-axis (which, e.g., isoriented generally orthogonal to the x and/or y axes).

FIGS. 6A-6D show an infant garment in accordance with another embodimentof the invention. As shown, the garment is in the form of a bodysuit 600including a torso portion 605 connected to a first sleeve portion 610Avia a first sleeve seam 615A and to a second sleeve portion 610A via asecond sleeve seam 615B. The lower edge of the torso portion 605 isconnected to a waist band portion 620 via waist seam 625. The bodysuit600 further includes a neck opening 630 flanked on it sides by a firstshoulder portion 635A and a second shoulder portion 635B. The shoulderportions 635A, 635B possess structures similar to the shoulder portionsdescribed above with regard to the other embodiments.

A leg portion 640 including a first leg member 640A and a second legmember 640B is connected to the lower edge of the waist band portion 620via leg seam 645. The first leg member 640A, moreover, is connected to afirst foot enclosure 650A along the lower edge of the first leg membervia a first footie seam 655A. Similarly, the second leg member 640B isconnected to a second foot enclosure 650B along the lower edge of thesecond leg member via a second footie seam 655B.

The torso portion 605; sleeve portions 610A, 610B; waist band portion620; shoulder portions 635A, 635B; and leg portion 640 may individuallyor collectively be formed of any material suitable for their describedpurpose. By way of example, portions of the bodysuit 600 may be formedof unidirectional expansion material as described above. In anembodiment, the torso portion 605 is formed of unidirectional expansionmaterial configured to permit expansion in a first direction, along thex-axis (transversely), as indicated by arrow X. The leg portion 640 isformed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permitexpansion in a second direction, along the y-axis (vertically), asindicated by arrow Y. The foot enclosures 650A, 650B are formed ofunidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in athird direction, along the z-axis (which, e.g., is oriented generallyorthogonal to the x and/or y axes).

FIGS. 7A-7F show an infant garment in accordance with another embodimentof the invention. The garment is in the form of a bodysuit 70 having akimono-styled closure. In the embodiment illustrated, the bodysuit 70includes a torso portion 705 connected to a first sleeve portion 710Avia a first sleeve seam 715A and to a second sleeve portion 710B via asecond sleeve seam 715B. The torso portion 705 includes a first orexterior panel or flap 720 and a second or interior panel or flap 725(FIG. 7C). The bodysuit 70 also includes a crotch portion 730 having acrotch flap 734 configured to wrap between the legs of the infant. Asseen best in FIG. 7B, the crotch portion 730 is connected to the backpanel 732 of torso portion 705 via a back panel seam 735.

The bodysuit 70 includes a plurality of fasteners to enable securing ofpanel portions. For example, the exterior panel 720 includes one or moreexterior panel fasteners 740 that mate with corresponding fasteners 745disposed on the first lateral side 750 of the interior panel 725 (alonginterior panel outer surface). As seen in FIG. 7F, the fasteners 745 maybe secured to the interior panel 725 via tabs 755 (e.g., fabric tabs).In addition, the second lateral side 760 of the interior panel 725includes fasteners 765 configured to mate with fasteners 770 disposed onthe interior surface of the back torso panel 732. Finally, the flap 734of the crotch portion 730 includes crotch fasteners 780 configured tomate with fasteners 785 disposed proximate the lower edge 790 of theinterior torso panel 725.

To fit the garment on an infant, the bodysuit begins in an openedposition as illustrated in FIG. 7C. The infant is placed within thegarment, and the interior panel 725 is folded over the infant, withfasteners 765 on interior panel mating with fasteners 770 on exteriorpanel 720 (FIG. 7D). Then the flap 734 of the crotch portion 730 isfolded between the legs of the infant and the crotch fasteners 780 aremated with the fasteners 785 disposed proximate the lower edge 790 ofthe interior torso panel 725 (FIG. 7E). Finally, the exterior torsopanel 720 is folded over the interior torso panel 725, with the exteriorpanel fasteners 740 mating with the fasteners 745 disposed on the firstlateral side 750 of the interior torso panel 725 (FIG. 7A).

As with the above embodiments, the various portions of the bodysuit 70may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. By wayof example, various portions of the bodysuit 70 may be formed ofunidirectional expansion material configured to expand in the directionof the x-axis, the y-axis, or the z-axis.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an infant garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As shown, the infant garment includes astructure generally similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7E,being stylized as a kimono-styled bodysuit 80 including a torso portion805 connected to a first sleeve portion 810A via a first sleeve seam815A and to a second sleeve portion 810B via a second sleeve seam 815B.The torso portion 805, which defines an upper neck opening 817, includesa first or exterior panel 820 and a second or interior panel 825, and athird or rear panel 827. The bodysuit 80 further includes a crotchportion 830 configured to wrap between the legs of the infant. Thecrotch portion 830 includes a first or front crotch flap 832 and asecond or rear crotch flap 834. The front crotch flap 832 may be formedintegral with the interior panel 825. Similarly, the rear crotch flap834 is integral with the rear panel 827 of torso portion 805. Asillustrated, the rear crotch flap 834 may possess a greater length thanthe front crotch flap 832, extending beyond front flap distal end whenthe flaps are aligned.

The crotch portion 830 further includes a fastening system including theconnection material as described above. Specifically, the rear crotchflap 832 includes a fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastener 835 asdescribed above. The hook-and-loop fastener 835 is disposed along therear flap distal portion (e.g., proximate flap distal end).Additionally, the front crotch flap 832 includes a swatch or patch ofconnection material 837 similar to that described above. By way ofexample, the entire front crotch flap 832 may be formed of connectionmaterial 837. The connection material 837 may be formed integral withthe front crotch flap 834, or may be an overlay attached to the frontcrotch flap 832, e.g., via stitching, adhesive, etc.

The bodysuit 80 may further include a plurality of torso fasteners toenable securing together of torso panels. For example, the exteriorpanel 820 includes one or more exterior panel fasteners 840 that matewith complementary first interior panel fasteners 845 disposed on thefirst lateral side 850 of the interior torso panel 825 (e.g., along theseam where the interior torso panel 825 connects to the rear torso panel827). The first interior panel fasteners 845 may be coupled to theinterior panel 825 via tabs 855 (e.g., fabric tabs). In addition, thesecond lateral side 860 of the interior panel 825 includes secondinterior panel fasteners 865 (e.g., the fasteners 865 are disposedproximate the distal (non-seam) edge of the interior panel). The secondinterior panel fasteners 865 are configured to mate with complementaryrear panel fasteners 870 disposed on the interior surface of the reartorso panel 827. The rear panel fasteners 870 may be secured to the reartorso panel 827 via tabs 875 (e.g., fabric tabs).

To fit the garment on an infant, the bodysuit 80 infant is placed withinthe garment, and the interior torso panel 825 is folded over the infant,with second interior panel fasteners 865 mating with rear panelfasteners 870. Once secured, the rear crotch flap 834 is folded betweenthe legs of the infant, and the fastener 835 on the interior surface ofthe rear crotch flap is brought into contact with the connectionmaterial 837 disposed on the exterior surface of the front crotch flap832. Finally, the exterior torso panel 820 is folded over the interiortorso panel 825, with the exterior panel fasteners 840 mating with thefirst interior panel fasteners 845 disposed along the first lateral side850 of the interior torso panel 825.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an infant garment in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As shown, the infant garment is a bodysuit90 similar to that shown in FIG. 3A, including a body or torso portion905 and a coupling portion 910. The body portion 905 includes a frontbody panel 920A and rear body panel 920B, a neck opening or collar 930,shoulder portions 935A, 935B, and sleeve portions 940A, 940B, eachsimilar to that described above in relation to the other embodiments.The body portion 905 is formed of a first unidirectional expansionmaterial configured to expand in a first direction. By way of example,the front body panel 920A and/or the rear body panel 920B may be formedof fabric adapted to expand in the longitudinal direction (indicated byarrow Y). The expansion fabric may possess a structure similar to thatdescribed above, including a plurality of ribs oriented generallyhorizontally (e.g., generally orthogonal to garment longitudinal axis)and connected via webbing that permits the separation of adjacent ribs,thereby permitting the lengthwise expansion of the fabric to increasethe length of the body panel 920A, 920B and, as such, the overall lengthof the garment. As with other embodiments, an exemplary expansionmaterial is two-wale cotton. With this configuration, the body portion905 stretches to accommodate infants of various heights (lengths).

The coupling portion 910 includes a front coupling member 960 and a rearcoupling member 965. The front coupling member 960 may be integrallyformed with front body panel 920A, (i.e., the front coupling member 960may be formed of the same material as the front body panel 920A). Asillustrated, the front coupling member 960 is a truncated member(compared to that of the other embodiments), extending only slightlyfrom the front body panel 920A. The exterior surface 970 of the frontcoupling member 960 (e.g., proximate the edge of the member) includes atleast one fastener 975A adapted to mate with a corresponding fastener975B disposed on the interior surface 980 of the rear coupling member965. The fasteners 975A, 975B may be snaps, buttons, etc.

The rear coupling member 965 may be non-integral with the rear torsopanel 920B, being connected along a lower edge of the rear body panel920B along a seam 985 (e.g., stitching). The rear coupling member 965may be formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configuredto expand in a second direction. Specifically, the rear coupling member965 may be formed of fabric adapted to expand transversely (in across-wise direction). The fabric forming the rear coupling member 965including a series ribs oriented generally vertically (i.e., the ribsare oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal garment axis)interconnected by resilient webbing or valleys that cooperate to permitseparation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting expansion of the fabricin the transverse direction (indicated by arrow X), thereby enabling theincrease of the overall width of the rear coupling member 965. As inother embodiments, the second unidirectional expansion material formingthe rear coupling member 965 may be two-wale cotton fabric. As shown,the bodysuit 90 (the torso portion 905 and/or the crotch portion 910)may include conventional binding 987 at predetermined locations.

With this configuration, the rear coupling member 965 expands from itsnormal (contracted) position to an expanded position. In the stretchedposition, the transverse dimension of the rear coupling member 965 isincreased compared to that of the contracted coupling member. Inoperation, a user draws the rear coupling member 965 between the legs ofthe infant, wrapping the member around the crotch and connecting thefasteners 975A, 975B. The rear coupling member expands, accommodatingthe girth of the infant, the diaper worn by the infant, etc.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described hereinas embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless notintended to be limited to the details shown, since various modificationsand structural changes may be made therein without departing from thescope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents ofthe claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodimentsmay be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in thefollowing claims.

Thus, while the present invention has been described in detail and withreference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Forexample, the material forming the bodysuit or portions thereof may beany suitable for its described purpose. The connection material maycover any area of the bodysuit suitable for its described purpose. Forexample, it may form the entirety of a coupling member. The connectionmaterial may form the portion of the garment infant garment, or may bean overlay attached (adhered, stitched, etc.) to material (e.g., fabricformed of natural and/or synthetic fibers) forming the portion of theinfant garment. Alternatively, it may form at least half of the totalarea of the coupling members. In addition, it may form all or part ofthe body portion (i.e., the body panels), as well as the sleeve portionsand shoulder portions. As should be understood, any of the describedembodiments may include conventional binding at predetermined locations.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,”“lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may beused herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do notlimit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.,merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points ofreference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention toany particular configuration or orientation. The phrase infant garmentis intended to include garments adapted for use with infants and youngchildren.

1. An infant garment comprising: a torso portion defining a neckopening, a first arm opening, and a second arm opening, the torsoportion including a front torso panel having an interior, child-facingsurface and an exterior surface, and a rear torso panel having aninterior, child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and a crotchportion defining a first leg opening and a second leg opening, thecrotch portion including: a first coupling member extending distallyfrom one of the front torso panel and the rear torso panel, the firstcoupling member tapering toward its distal end, wherein material formingthe first coupling member is connection material having a texturedsurface and a non-textured surface, and a second coupling memberextending distally from the other of the front torso panel and the reartorso panel, the second coupling member tapering toward its distal end,wherein the second coupling member comprises a fastener operable tomechanically engage the textured surface of the connection material,wherein the fastener cooperates with the connection material toreleasably secure the first coupling member to the second couplingmember.
 2. The infant garment of claim 1, wherein the torso portionfurther comprises a first shoulder panel and a second shoulder panelcoupled to the torso portion and disposed proximate the neck opening,each shoulder panel being configured to translate with respect to thetorso portion.
 3. The infant garment of claim 1, wherein the torsoportion is formed of material adapted to expand from a first, contractedconfiguration to a second, expanded configuration.
 4. The infant garmentof claim 3, wherein the torso portion comprises fabric including aplurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs including a first rib and asecond rib adjacent the first rib, wherein the first rib moves withrespect to the second rib.
 5. The infant garment of claim 4, wherein:the torso portion includes a length and a width; and the plurality ofribs is oriented generally vertically such that each rib extends alongthe length of the torso portion.
 6. The infant garment of claim 1,wherein: the first coupling member is a front coupling member; thesecond coupling member is a rear coupling member; the front couplingmember is formed of the connection material; and the rear couplingmember includes the fastener, the fastener being disposed proximate rearcoupling member distal end.
 7. The infant garment of claim 6, whereinthe rear coupling member is formed of expansion material adapted toexpand from a first, contracted configuration to a second, expandedconfiguration.
 8. The infant garment of claim 7, wherein the rearcoupling member expands in a coupling member longitudinal direction. 9.The infant garment of claim 7, wherein: the rear coupling member definesdimensions including a length and a width; the expansion materialcomprises a plurality of ribs oriented generally horizontal such thateach rib extends along the width of the rear coupling member.
 10. Aninfant garment comprising: a torso portion configured to cover the torsoof an infant, the torso portion including a neck opening, a first armopening and a second arm opening, wherein the torso portion comprises afirst expansion material adapted to expand substantially in a firstdirection; and a coupling portion configured to be drawn between thelegs of the infant, the coupling portion including a first couplingmember and a second coupling member, wherein at least one of the firstand second coupling members comprises a second expansion material, thesecond material being adapted to expand substantially in a seconddirection, wherein the second direction is different from the firstdirection.
 11. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein: the infantgarment defines a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension, thelongitudinal dimension being measured from the neck opening to thecrotch portion; the first material expands along the transversedimension; and the second expansion material expands along thelongitudinal dimension.
 12. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein: thefirst expansion material is adapted to expand in a lateral direction;and the second expansion material is adapted to expand in a verticaldirection.
 13. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein at least one ofthe first and second expansion material comprises fabric including aplurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing.
 14. The infantgarment of claim 13, wherein: the first expansion material is a firstunidirectional expansion fabric comprising plurality of ribs extendinglongitudinally along the torso portion, the first unidirectionalexpansion fabric being effective to increase the girth of the torsoportion; and the second expansion material is a second unidirectionalexpansion fabric comprising a plurality of ribs oriented generallyorthogonal to the ribs of the torso portion, the second unidirectionalexpansion fabric being effective to increase the length of the couplingportion.
 15. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein: the torso portionis formed of the first expansion material and the coupling portioncomprises a first coupling member and a second coupling member adaptedto connect to the second coupling member; and at least one couplingmember is formed of the second expansion material.
 16. An infant garmentto be worn by an infant, the garment including a normal length value anda normal girth value when the garment is in its normal, contractedconfiguration, the garment comprising a first unidirectional expansionfabric that expands in a first direction to alter the girth value of thegarment, and a second unidirectional expansion fabric that expands in asecond direction to alter the length value of the garment.
 17. Theinfant garment of claim 16, wherein the length of the garment increasesas the garment expands in the first expansion direction.
 18. The infantgarment of claim 16 further comprising a torso portion including tubularbody, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a chest section adapted to covera chest of an infant, and a stomach section disposed below the chestsection and adapted to cover a stomach of the infant, wherein the chestsection is formed of the first unidirectional expansion fabric and thestomach section panel is formed of the second unidirectional expansionfabric.
 19. The infant garment of claim 16 further comprising a legportion adapted to receive the legs of an infant, the leg portionincluding a first leg enclosure terminating in a first foot enclosureand a second leg enclosure terminating in a second foot enclosure,wherein a first section of the leg enclosures is formed of the firstunidirectional expansion fabric and a second section of the legenclosures is formed of the second unidirectional expansion fabric. 20.The infant garment of claim 16, wherein: the infant garment isconfigured as a kimono, the kimono configuration comprising: a torsoportion including a back panel to cover a back of an infant, a firstlateral panel coupled to a first lateral side of the back panel andadapted to be folded over the infant, and a second lateral panel coupledto a second lateral side of the back panel and adapted to be folded overthe infant, the back panel, first lateral panel, and second lateralpanel each having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a firstfastener disposed on the interior surface of the first lateral panel,the first fastener mating with a first complementary fastener coupled tothe interior surface of the back panel, a second fastener disposed onthe interior surface of the second lateral panel, the second fastenermating with a second complementary fastener coupled to the exteriorsurface of the first lateral panel, and a crotch portion adapted tocover a crotch of the infant; and at least one panel of the torsoportion is formed of the first unidirectional expansion fabric and thecrotch portion is formed of the second unidirectional expansion fabric.21. The infant garment of 16 further comprising a third unidirectionalexpansion fabric that expands in a third direction generally orthogonalto the first expansion direction.
 22. The infant garment of claim 16,wherein: the garment possesses a length defining a longitudinal garmentaxis; the first unidirectional expansion fabric comprises a plurality ofribs connected via resilient webbing that permits separation of adjacentribs; the plurality of ribs forming the first unidirectional expansionfabric are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal garment axis;the second unidirectional expansion fabric comprises a plurality of ribsconnected via resilient webbing that permits separation of adjacentribs; and the plurality of ribs forming the second unidirectionalexpansion fabric are oriented generally orthogonal to the longitudinalgarment axis.